December 27, 2017

Safe Travel Tips from Kali Render at State Farm

Your bags are packed, the plans have been made, and you’re ready to hit the road to visit your family and friends to ring in the New Year. We want to make sure you get to your destination safely (and we know you do, too!) so we checked in with Kali Render of State Farm for her top tips for traveling safely.

Make sure that your car has been inspected and that it’s safe for travel.
Have you been putting off getting your oil changed, your tires rotated, or your “check engine” light checked? Go ahead and have those things taken care of prior to your trip so that you can avoid issues while you’re on the road. While you’re there, have your car inspected all over so that if there are any potential problems, you can have them fixed before your trip begins.

Stay awake and alert.
Get plenty of rest the night before your trip and fill up your coffee cup on your way out the door. If you’re making a long drive, plan for breaks along the way so that you can get out of the car, stretch your legs, and walk around for a bit.

Leave with plenty of time.
Everyone is traveling this time of year and it’s likely going to feel like they are all on the same roads as you. Be prepared for the extra traffic, and leave with plenty of time to get to your destination on time.

Don’t drive distracted.
Put your phone down—the text can wait. If bringing your pets along for the trip, get them settled in the backseat of your car rather than the front seat with you. Do your best to minimize any distraction that would take your eyes off of the road.

Carry a disaster kit.
Be prepared in case of an emergency and make sure that you have a disaster kit in the car. Your kit should include things like a First Aid Kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, high calorie food, and water. If you’re traveling to colder or snowy climates, add in things like an ice scraper and road salt for any unexpected icy situations.

We hope that you keep these tips in mind as you begin making your way to visit with your family and friends this holiday weekend as you ring in 2018.

Looking for the best insurance rates in the new year? Contact Kali Render today at 803-779-0063 or stop by her office in the heart of Columbia’s downtown historic Vista district at 514 Gervais Street.

Chesson is a Columbia native that loves to share her passion about all things local through her writing and photography. She enjoys exploring the South, one craft brewery at a time, with her husband and running local 5k races. You can spot her behind the lens of a camera, cheering on Clemson, or biking around Kiawah Island. At ByFarr, she creates social media content and works with clients to tell their stories.